Pack your bags, because we're heading to the heart of East Africa!
Get ready for an unforgettable journey to Kenya, where we'll explore the vibrant world of gemstones and source some of the most special stones. We will be visiting mines and uncovering the secrets behind my latest gem obsession: umbalite garnet.
What is Umbalite Garnet?
Also known as Malaya garnet, this exquisite stone is a true marvel, found almost exclusively in Tanzania and parts of Kenya.
The name "Malaya" is a fascinating part of its story, derived from the Swahili word meaning "from out of the family." When these gems were first discovered, their captivating colours didn't fit into the traditional garnet categories, so they were given a name that reflected their unique, non-conforming beauty.
The distinctive hue of Malaya garnet is a result of the specific geological conditions and mineral compositions found along the banks of the Umba River, which flows along the Kenya-Tanzania border. These garnets fall between the pyrope and spessartine varieties on the garnet spectrum. While spessartines are known for their fiery orange tones and pyropes for their deep purples, umbalite garnets boast an enchanting blend of both, creating a stunning range of colours from soft pinks to rich reddish-oranges. The stone in our Tablet necklace has a particularly distinctive pinkish-purple tone that I just can't get enough of.
Following the Journey of a Gemstone
For some time we have been working with an amazing operation that has close ties to the local mines and handles all of its own cutting. It's a privilege to see firsthand how they transform rough, uncut stones into the beautiful gemstones you've seen in our pieces.
We love visiting cutting workshops, the craft, time and skill required to unlock the true brilliance of each stone is often under appreciated.
More Than Just Garnets: The Gemstones of East Africa
While I've been waxing lyrical about umbalite garnets, the region is a true treasure trove for fine jewellery. Besides Umbalite and other garnets like the vibrant tsavorite and mint merelani, this area is also the source of tanzanite. The neighbouring region of Mahenge in Tanzania is renowned for its incredible spinels, which range in colour from elegant grey to a mesmerising hot pink.
One of the most compelling aspects of these precious stones is their rich history and the incredible lore that surrounds them. I can't wait to share more of these stories with you before we embark on our trip at the end of the month.
Stay tuned for more updates on our Kenyan gemstone adventure and if you’d like us to keep an eye out for stone to create your very own bespoke piece, let us know!
